This project taught me that ambition is everything. Even after we expanded our shooting schedule from two days to three, I seriously doubted it was possible to finish a seven-minute puppet animation film in so short a time. These amazing pupils proved me wrong.
Unlike most ‘workshops’, where the kids are shown some basic tricks and left to experiment, this was a genuine creative collaboration between pupils, students and media professionals – and I think the results speak for themselves. I’m new to the education game but I can’t help thinking this has to be the way forward. Are you reading this, Michael Gove?
Full credit must go to Chris Conlan (who set the creative bar), Sally-Ann Duis (art director and miniature wardrobe lady), David Hanson (script development genius), Lee Mann (sound dude, in more ways than one), Caitlin Clancy (production assistant and Mac-hacker), teachers Bernie and Matt, and student mentors Anna, Dan and Divya (who are actually the ones who made it happen) and, not least, the redoubtable Deborah Davidson, who should exec-produce movies if she ever finishes proving to the world what a talented bunch of kids we have in our schools.
